Multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display

ABSTRACT

A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to dispenser racks and displaystherefore, and more particularly, to a compact, easy to assemble, easyto load and unload multiple chute dispenser with an integrated display.This application claims priority from provisional patent application No.60/404,648, filed Aug. 20, 2002.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Gravity feed dispensers have been used in the product dispensingmarkets, i.e., grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience marts anddepartment stores, to provide on shelf storage, automatic rotation ofstock, easy access for customers. The principal of operation is quitesimple. The products are arranged on a rack which is inclined tohorizontal such that when a customer removes one product at an end of arow of products, the entire row of products indexes forward one locationequivalent to one product. Rollers are known to ease movement of theproduct.

[0005] One disadvantage of prior art gravity feed dispensers is thatsuch devices are integrated into racks useful only for granting feedapplications. Prior art gravity feed dispensers are not designed to beused in connection with standard shelving already in place at theretailer. As a result, the retailer must invest in additionalspecialized racks in order to provide a gravity feed apparatus.

[0006] Another disadvantage of prior art gravity feed dispensers is thatthey must be reloaded from the backside or topside thereof. As a result,gravity feed dispensers are usually not disposed in a back-to-backorientation. As a result, valuable floor space is wasted and the cost ofoperation is increased for the retailer.

[0007] Yet another disadvantage of prior art gravity feed dispensers isthe customer's inability to return unwanted product. If a customerremoves a product and then decides not to purchase, there is nowhere forthe customer to replace the product in the gravity feed device. The rowof product is too heavy for the customer to push back in order toreinsert the unwanted product. As a result, unwanted product is placedon shelves in other portions of the store. Costs associated withreshelving the unwanted product are incurred by the retailer.

[0008] Thus, there remains a need in the art for a compact, easy toassemble, easy to load and reload multi-chute gravity feed dispenserhaving an integrated display.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes beingdefined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear railshaving stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a side view of a panel representing one embodiment ofthe invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a an edge on view of a panel representing one embodimentof the invention;

[0012]FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a display module andrepresenting one embodiment of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 3B shows the retention pin 60 disposed in a lockedconfiguration representing one embodiment of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 3C shows the retention pin 60 disposed in an unlockedconfiguration representing one embodiment of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 4A is a side view of a display module and representing oneembodiment of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 4B is a top view of a display module and representing oneembodiment of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 4C is a front view of a display module and representing oneembodiment of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 5A is a front view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 5B is a side view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 5C is a rear view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 5D is a top view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

[0022]FIG. 5E is a cut-away top view of the access door and representingan embodiment of the invention;

[0023]FIG. 6A is a side view of both a display module with a loadingmagazine in a loading position and representing an embodiment of theinvention;

[0024]FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of a loading magazine showingthe bottom side, porous side and the product ejection end, andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

[0025]FIG. 6C is a side perspective view of a loading magazine showingthe top side, non-porous side and the product non-ejection end, andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

[0026]FIG. 6D shows the separated elongated ends of the paper overwrapof the loading magazine and representing an embodiment of the invention;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a relational front view of multiple attached panels in acollapsed position and representing an embodiment of the invention;

[0028]FIG. 8 is a relational side view of two attached panels in acollapsed position and representing an embodiment of the invention;

[0029]FIG. 9 is a front view of multiple attached panels in an expandedposition and representing an embodiment of the invention;

[0030]FIG. 10A is a top view of a retention pin and representing anembodiment of the invention;

[0031]FIG. 10B is a rear view of a retention pin and representing anembodiment of the invention;

[0032]FIG. 10C is a side view of a retention pin and representing anembodiment of the invention;

[0033]FIG. 11A is a top view of medially disposed retention pin andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

[0034]FIG. 11B is a rear view of medially disposed retention pin andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

[0035]FIG. 11C is a side view of a medially disposed retention pin andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

[0036]FIG. 12 is a template indicating the advertising area available onaccess door and representing an embodiment of the invention;

[0037]FIG. 13A shows an the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser displayin a collapsed configuration disposed within a shipping box andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

[0038]FIG. 13B shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in acollapsed configuration partially removed from the shipping box andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

[0039]FIG. 13C shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in apartly expanded configuration and representing an embodiment of theinvention;

[0040]FIG. 13D shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser displaydisposed in an expanded configuration with the retention pins in alocked position;

[0041]FIG. 13E shows an the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser displaywith the access doors in the closed position with product decals appliedand representing an embodiment of the invention;

[0042]FIG. 14A shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display witha category sign connected thereto and representing an embodiment of theinvention;

[0043]FIG. 14B shows product being loaded into the multi-chute gravityfeed dispenser display and representing an embodiment of the invention;

[0044]FIG. 14C shows an the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser displayfilled with product and ready for retail and representing an embodimentof the invention;

[0045]FIG. 15 shows a plurality of multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplays disposed on a number of adjacently disposed conventionalshelves and representing an embodiment of the invention;

[0046]FIG. 16 is a side view of a panel representing one embodiment ofthe invention;

[0047]FIG. 17 is an edge on view of the panel of FIG. 16 representingone embodiment of the invention;

[0048]FIG. 18 is a top view of the panel of FIGS. 16 and 17 representingone embodiment of the invention;

[0049]FIG. 19 is a side view of a display member representing oneembodiment of the invention;

[0050]FIG. 20 is a side edge on view of a display member representingone embodiment of the invention;

[0051]FIG. 21 is a close up view of a clamp section of a display memberand representing one embodiment of the invention;

[0052]FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of a display member andrepresenting one embodiment of the invention;

[0053]FIG. 23 is a front edge on view of a display member representingone embodiment of the invention;

[0054]FIG. 24A is a front view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

[0055]FIG. 24B is a side view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

[0056]FIG. 24C is a rear view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

[0057]FIG. 24D is a top view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention; and

[0058]FIG. 24E is a bottom view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a side and front view of the main element ofthe multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display, a panel 10 which isgenerally formed as a vertical upright panel. The panel 10 is preferablyconfigured to be used in connection with conventional store shelving inplace at a retailer having a depth in the range of 18 to 24 inches. Inone embodiment of the invention the depth of the panel 10 is 20 inchesoverall and the height is 14 inches overall. It will be recognized bythose of skill in the art that the embodiments discussed herein areconfigured to be adapted to conventional shelving. However, changes inscale or any dimension cited herein are within the scope of the presentinvention and may be adjusted based on any requirements for anapplication.

[0060] The panel 10 includes at least one set of rails 20 which areformed as ribs extending normal to a side 12 of the panel 10 tocooperatively define a plurality of chutes 22, 24 for product which havea boustrophedonic or C-shaped configuration. A first rail 26 is disposedin the generally medial portion of the side 12 inclined to thehorizontal, angled generally downwardly, and having a linearconfiguration. The second rail 28 is disposed about the first rail 26and has a curvilinear configuration which is substantially C-shaped. Thefirst and second rails 26 and 28 each having a minimum incline to thehorizontal such that product is capable of continuous movement alongsuch rails in response to a normal gravitational force, and where asshown in FIG. 1., can be a substantially slight angle. A first producttravel stop or stop 30 is formed at a lowest extent of the second rail28 as an enlarged portion thereof. The first stop 30 engages the productto prevent unwanted further movement down chute 22 and positions theproduct for viewing and selection by a customer. A third rail 32 has acurvilinear configuration which is substantially L-shaped and has asecond stop 34, formed as an enlarged portion thereof at a lower endadjacent first stop 30, and prevents further downward motion down chute24. For structural rigidity and to provide visibility to the productpositioned on first and second rails 26 and 28, cut out portions 18 orholes are formed along on panel 10 along the chutes described below. Thecut out portions 18 also allow one to determine the quantity andcontents of such chutes thus facilitating inventory control of theproducts stored therein.

[0061] At least one set of positioning elements 36 are formed on theside 12 as raised protrusions having a height normal to the side 12 lessthan the rails 26, 28 and 32. Each positioning element 38, 40 has acurvilinear configuration which is substantially C-shaped. The firstpositioning element 38 is disposed between the first and second rails26, 28. The second positioning element 40 is disposed between the secondand third rails 28, 32.

[0062] A plurality of bosses 42, 44, 46 and 48 are formed at each cornerof the panel 10, and when used, provide greater rigidity to themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display. Each has at least oneaperture or bore 49 defined therein and a lock 50 associated with eachbore 49. The lock mechanism or lock 50 is defined in the boss 42, 44,46, 48 where a portion of an outer wall of the boss 42, 44, 46, 48 isremoved to form a receptacle. The operation and function of the lock 50will be described in more detail below. An additional boss 52 is formedin a generally medial position adjacent an end of the first rail 26. Atleast one bore 49 is defined therein. However, this boss does notinclude a lock.

[0063] An aperture 54 is formed in the panel 10 disposed between thesecond positioning element 40 and an upper boss 44 for positioning anaccess door as will be discussed in detail below. A plurality of feet 56are formed on the side 12 and extend from the third rail 32 to the lowerportion edge of the panel 10 in order to provide stability to the panel10. Each foot 56 extends normal to the side 12 in the same manner as therails 26, 28 and 32 to the same extent.

[0064]FIG. 3A shows a pair of panels, a display module 16, in accordancewith the embodiment described in detail above, connected by a pair ofretention pins to define a dispenser module 16, one or more suchdispenser modules 16 making up a multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay. The chutes 22, 24 are defined between adjacent pairs of panels10 and are of a width slightly greater than the width of products 90 andwhich allow the products to be stored and dispensed therefrom. Theretention pins 60 engage the bores 49 defined in the bosses 42, 44 tomaintain the panels 10 at a preselected spacing. Another retention pin(medially disposed 62) engages adjacent bosses 52 and is configuredslightly different than the retention pin 60 as will be described indetail below. Additional retention pins 60 may be connected to the bores49 in bosses 46, 48 for further rigidity and stabilization of themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display. With all retention pins 60in place between adjacent pairs of panels 10, such panels 10 aremaintained substantially parallel to one another. Other embodiments mayuse more and/or less number of retention pins 60 and 62 as needed toprovide sufficient support and structural integrity for the displaymodule 16.

[0065]FIG. 3C shows a highlighted portion of FIG. 3A in detail.Retention pin 60 is shown disposed in an unlocked position partiallyremoved from boss 44. It will be noted by those of ordinary skill in theart that retention pin 60 is disposed such that the panel 10 may rotaterelative to the retention pin 60. Here, retention pin 60 is allowed torotate within bore 49. This allows adjacent panels 10 to remainconnected (engaged horizontally) when disposed offset to one another ina collapsed orientation as will be discussed in detail below.

[0066]FIG. 3B shows the retention pin 60 disposed in a lockedconfiguration. This orientation is achieved by moving the retention pin60 from the unlocked position shown in FIG. 3C into engagement with thelock 50 formed in each boss 44. It will be recognized by those of skillin the art that the same procedure applies for each retention pin 60associated with a boss 42, 44, 46, 48 which has a lock 50. The lock 50as described in detail above, essentially prevents rotation of theretention pin 60 relative to the panel 10. Here, retention pin 60 is notallowed to rotate within bore 49 due to lock 50. As a result, adjacentpanels 10 are operatively connected (engaged both horizontally andvertically) such that they are relatively immovable, or fixedlypositioned, with respect to one another so that unintended movement isrestricted.

[0067] An access door 70 is connected to the medially disposed retentionpin 62 and is movable relative thereto as described in detail below.

[0068]FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show the side, top and front views of themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display as described in FIGS. 3A, 3Band 3C. The panels 10 are preferably made from high impact styreneplastic. However, it will be recognized by those of skill in the artthat any other suitable material of construction may be used that alsoprovides a sufficiently low enough coefficient of friction to facilitatethe movement of products within the multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay. Further, the panels 10 are preferably injection molded. Again,it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that any othersuitable manufacturing technique may be used. The retention pins 60 and62 are preferably made from stainless steel. However, it will berecognized by those of skill in the art that other materials ofcomparable strength and corrosion resistant properties may be used. Oneparticular advantage of the present invention is the use of thereplaceable retention pins. In the event that one of the retention pinsbreaks, it can be easily replaced. However, more likely, is that a panel10 would break, and being replaceable/removable, the retention pins 60and 62 could be removed from such panel 10, the panel can they beremoved from among its adjacent panels, and a new panel 10 may beinserted in the same position and then have the retention pins 60 and 62replaced and connected to the newly inserted panel 10. In either case,disassembly of the entire dispenser display is not required. Further,the dispenser display may be expanded to include as many additionalpanels as desired and shown in FIGS. 3A-C and 4A-C. In addition,although the embodiment shown in such figures utilize retention pins 60and 62 having a particular length, other embodiments use retention pinshaving different lengths for the purpose of accommodating products thathave a different height, (i.e., the height of a cylindrical article),than the height described herein regarding product 90. As such,different embodiments using different length retention pins 60 and 62,and that still use the panels 10 described herein, are able toaccommodate products having different dimensions.

[0069] FIGS. 5A-D show various different views of the access door 70.The access door 70 includes a front face 72, a rear face 73, a handle74, a clip 76, a pair of resilient arms 78 and a pair of alignment arms80. The front face 72 is configured as slightly curved to present apleasing appearance and increased surface area for advertising displaypurposes, such as alphanumeric and graphic indicia advertising theproducts therein. The handle 74 is disposed at the top of the accessdoor 70 opposite the clip 76 and enables a user to easily move theaccess door from a closed position (access closing relation) to an openposition (access opening relation) through an arc of at least 90degrees. Preferably, the access door 70 is moved from a generallyvertical orientation in the closed position to a orientation in the openposition which is at least horizontal and preferably several degreespast horizontal. Other embodiments allow for the complete or partialremoval of access door 70. The resilient arms 78 include an enlarged nub82 which engages the aperture formed in the side 12 as discussed abovewith regard to FIGS. 1 and 2. The nub 82 provides a secondary connectionfor the access door to the panel 10. The clip 76 is the primaryconnection to adjacent panels 10. The clip 76 engages medially disposedretention pin 62 and moves relative thereto. Alignment arms 80 engageadjacent panels 10 when necessary in order to maintain the access doorproperly disposed between adjacent panels 10.

[0070]FIG. 6A shows the dispenser module 16 described in FIGS. 3A-3 and4A-C with one panel 10 removed. The product 90 is loaded into the chutes22, 24. The product 90 is shown as being of cylindrical form, and inthis embodiment, represents cans of consumer goods. Other embodimentsuse a product 90 in a cylindrical form, but in the form of a jar,including glass, plastic or other typical jar materials. Yet additionalembodiments use products 90 of a variety of other shapes or packagingdesigns, otherwise capable of being received by chutes 22 and 24.Further, the product 90 loaded into the different chutes 22 and 24 maybe of a different design, whether external or internal. An externaldesign difference could be size, shape, or material (i.e., glass jars orcans). An internal design difference may be different contents, such asdifferent types of soup or different types of food. Chute 22 is acircuitous, serpentine path which is shorter than chute 24. As a result,more product 90 may be disposed in chute 24 than chute 22. However,other embodiments provide chutes 22 and 24 which such curvilinearstructures that both chutes have the same length and are capable ofcontaining the same amount of product 90.

[0071] When the supply of product 90 has been sufficiently depleted fromchutes 22 and 24, new product 92 must be added. One advantage of thepresent invention is that additional new product 92 may be added to themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display from the front. This isaccomplished by moving the access door 70 from the closed position tothe open position. It will be noted by those of skill in the art thatthe access door 70 has been removed from FIG. 6A for clarity purposes.Once the access door 70 has been opened a sleeve or loading magazine 100is used to refresh the supply of product 90 in the multi-chute gravityfeed dispenser display through its loading end, where the loading endincludes the upper extents or portions of chutes 22 and 24, and wheresuch upper extents of such chutes 22 and 24 represent a separate lowerand upper loading port, respectively.

[0072] Further, the new products 92 are arranged in the loading magazine100 such that two parallel rows (dual rows) are formed where an upperrow traverses, or lies across, a lower row. Further, as shown, the newproducts 92 are arranged in pairs of upper and lower new products 92within such dual rows with an upper new product lying across or on topof a lower new product. However, other embodiments use loading magazines100 that have more or less rows of new product 92. Typically, althoughnot required, the number of rows of new product 92 in loading magazine100 is equal to the corresponding number of chutes in a dispenser module16. Further, most embodiments of loading magazine 100 contain at leasttwo new product 92 units in each of the rows contained therein. As such,and as shown in FIG. 6A, a loading magazine would typically consist ofat least four new products 92, (two rows by two deep), but, as shown,actually consists of twelve, (two rows by six deep). Further, otherembodiments contain multiple rows of new products 92 where thequantities per row for different rows are not equal. In addition, someembodiments contain rows of new products 92 that have different externaland/or internal qualities, for example, some contain different sizeproducts in different rows, or different types of internal contents indifferent rows.

[0073] When loaded, the new product 92 simply rolls into the chute 22 or24 whichever is empty and available. It will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that the positioning elements 38 and 40 engage the endfaces of the product 90 at point locations to center the product 90between adjacent panels 10 and to reduce the rolling resistance of theproduct 90, 92 relative to the panels 10. Another advantage of thepresent invention is the return area or replace stall 110 which isdefined between the first and second stops 30 and 34 and a cradle memberor ear 112 formed on the panel 10. The replace stall 110 is furtherdefined as an area in which a product 90 may be replaced if the consumerdecides not to purchase.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6A, a consumer has already replaced a product 90which was not purchased. The next purchaser interested in the product 90will then intuitively remove the product 90 from the replace stall 110first as it is most easily removed. If another product 90 is desired,the consumer will pick the product from the lower extent, or dispensingend, of chute 22 or 24, and the next product in the appropriate chute 22or 24 will index forward accordingly. The distal or dispensing ends ofchutes 22 and 24 are also known as dispensing bays, or together, as aremoval area. Similar to the situation where first stop 30 is locatedtowards the rear of panel 10 in comparison to second stop 34, thedispensing bay associated with the first chute 22 is similarly locatedwith respect to the dispensing bay associated with the second chute 24.Further, in this embodiment, the distance between such dispensing baysis slightly greater than the diameter of a products 90 unit. If thesecond product is then returned to the dispenser display, the replacestall is available for the consumer rather than the tedious anddifficult chore of attempting to retention the product 90 backwards inthe dispenser display while replacing the unwanted product 90. Thisrepresents a significant advantage over the prior art.

[0075] Further, although not shown in the FIGS., one embodiment providesan indicator that notifies an observer when the contents of thedispenser display reaches a certain minimum level of products 90. Here,the second chute 24 is designed such that when such certain minimumlevel of products 90, for example five, is reached in such chute, thatthe remaining minimum, or less, products 90, recede from contact withthe second stop 34. This provides the advantage of notifying an observerof a low level of stock of product 90 before the product reaches acritical level, or runs out completely. The second chute 24 may bedesigned such that any desired minimum number of product 90 can beoriginally chosen as the amount which will provide the indication to anobserver. Further, other embodiments provide the same indicatorassociated with the first chute 22, or any corresponding additionalchute.

[0076] FIGS. 6B-6D show a more detailed depiction of loading magazine100. First, it should be noted that as shown here, both products 90 and92 are shown as cylindrical articles. Other embodiments use products ofother shapes and sizes, and have outside enclosures with differingcoefficients of friction, where such products have sufficient rolling,sliding or other movement along chutes 22 and 24 so that multi-chutegravity feed dispenser display operates as described herein wheregravity is used to dispense the products to product consumers. Suchother embodiments include, for example, products having a substantiallycylindrical form, and those having multiple outer sides that still allowthe product to rotate as it travels along chutes 22 and 24. The loadingmagazine 100 includes a porous side 132, a non-porous side 134, a topside 136 and a bottom side 138, a product ejection end 140 and a productnon-ejection end 141. In addition, FIG. 6C shows a tear strip 142 on topside 136. Both the porous side 132 and the non-porous side 134 haveloading notches 144 and 146, respectively, at the product ejection end140 of the loading magazine 100. Further, the entire casing which makesup the loading magazine 100 is a paper overwrap 148 with elongated ends150 and 152, where such elongated ends are attached forming a overlapseam 153.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 6B, a porous side 132 contains holes 154 whichprovides access to the top of the new products 92 where markings,including alphanumeric indicia, can be either applied or observedwithout removing such products from the loading magazine 100. The porousside 132 in other embodiments are absent such holes 154. Further, eachof the porous side 132, non-porous side 134, top side 136 and bottomside 138, each have slit protrusions 156 or apertures that provides roomfor the new products 92 to be received, and each slit protrusion 156area stretches or bulges outwardly along the top and bottom sides 136and 138 such that such new products 92 are statically secured via anenclosing force from moving along such sides 136 and 138, and as aresult, loading magazine 100 need not include end members to staticallysecure the new products 92 from exiting from either of its ends. Otherembodiments do not include slit protrusions 156 about the loadingmagazine 100. Further, other embodiments also include structures, suchas full or partial walls to achieve the necessary enclosing force, suchas walls that cover all or part of both or either the product ejectionend 140 and the non-product ejection end 141. In some embodiments,partial walls are created by folds in the overwrap 148, which preventnew products 92 from exiting the magazine 100 from both its productejection end 140 and its non-product ejection end 141.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6C, a tear strip 142 is located on the top side136 of the loading magazine 100. Here, the tear strip 142 is aperforated strip. Other embodiments use other forms of tear stripsincluding adhesive strips and pull string tear strips, while others useno tear strip at all. Some embodiments place the tear strip 142 along anoverlap seam 153 located on the top side 136, while others locate suchtear strips 142 on other sides of the loading magazine 100, while yetothers locate the tear strips 142 circumferentially about the peripheryof the loading magazine 100. As shown in FIG. 6B, loading notches 144and 146 are provided here to allow the further insertion of the loadingmagazine into the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display by allowingthe upper extents of two corresponding first rails 26 to slide into suchloading notches 144 and 146. At least one embodiment, which utilizes aloading magazine 100 having a single row of new product 92 therein, maybe advanced down a portion of the length of either chute 22 or 24 suchthat the portion at most reaches or approaches the first curve in suchchutes.

[0079] Although the paper overwrap 148 here is made out of paperboard,such as Kraft paperboard, generally made from cross-directional fibersproviding some level of expansion and retraction within the paperboarditself, and having a caliper range between 0.012 and 0.26 and a weightper 1,000 square feet of between 32 and 90 pounds, (for example, a 32,42 and 68 pound Kraft liner), other embodiments have paper overwrap 148made out of bleached sulfate, while others are made from thermoplasticfilm. The structure that results from the covering of the new product 92with an overwrap 148 in addition to being called a loading magazine 100is also referred to as a tube. Here, the elongated ends 150 and 152 ofthe paper overwrap 148 are attached to one another via a glue agentforming overlap seam 153. Other embodiments form overlap seam 153 byusing an attachment agent other than glue. Further, other embodiments,such as those having a paper overwrap 148, are absent any overlap seam153 or elongated ends 150 or 152. Yet other embodiments, such as thosehaving a tear strip 142, attach elongated ends 150 and 152 together viasuch tear strip 142. Although not shown in FIGS. 6B-6D, some embodimentsutilize an intermediate wall within loading magazine 100. Such wall islocated between the rows of new product 92, i.e., the row of new product92 adjacent the top side 136 and the row of new product 92 adjacent thebottom side 138.

[0080] The loading magazine 100 is designed to secure a set of newproduct 92 such that the set can me easily transported to the locationof the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. The loading magazine100 is further designed to provide a convenient way to load or feed newproduct 92 into the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display where newproduct 92 is ejected or expelled from the magazine 100 onto one or bothof the highest extents of the first and second rail 26 and 28. As shownin FIG. 6A, loading magazine 100 is positioned for loading such that itsbottom and top sides 138 and 136 are angled such that gravity providesan urging force against the new product 92 therein towards the productejection end 140. Before the new product 92 can flow however, thesecuring force or pressure about loading magazine 100 must be released,for example, where a perforated tear strip 142 is pulled from the topside 136 fracturing such perforations, or where the product ejection end140 is obscured by a wall, and the wall is removed. In either case theejection end 140 is expanded or otherwise opened. Upon release, the newproduct 92 flows down loading magazine 100 and onto first and/or secondrails 26 and 28. For those embodiments including a middle wall betweenthe upper and lower rows of new product 92, each such row is directedonly to its corresponding second and first rails 28 and 26 respectfully.

[0081] As long as the multi-chute gravity dispenser display is notcompletely full, multiple loading magazines may be emptied there in.Where the multi-chute gravity dispenser reaches its full conditionbefore a current loading magazine is emptied, such loading magazine 100is then pivotally adjusted about its product ejection end 140, where theproduct non-ejection end 141 moves lower portion of a panel 10,resulting in the remaining new product resting in the productnon-ejection end 141 portion of the loading magazine 100.

[0082]FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display in a collapsed position. The dispenser display shownherein includes a plurality of panels 10 which are offset from oneanother connected by retention pins 60 disposed in the unlockedposition. As shown, the panels 10 have been advanced toward each otherin an accordion-type manner until reaching abutment or contact againstone another in a compressed position with retention pins 60 extended atan angle away from the horizontal. As a result, the overall width of thedispenser display is only 12.3 inches. It will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that the overall width of any dispenser display isdependent upon the number of panels selected for use. In other words,the more panels used, the wider the overall width and vice versa.

[0083]FIG. 8 shows a side view of the collapsed dispenser display ofFIG. 7. The retention pins 60 are clearly shown in the unlocked positionand also disposed in the rearward bosses 46, 48. The overall depth ofthe dispenser display in the collapsed position with the retention pins60 disposed in the unlocked position is 21 inches. The overall height ofthe dispenser display in this configuration is 17.8 inches.

[0084]FIG. 9 shows a front view of the dispenser display of FIGS. 7 and8 in an expanded configuration. The overall width of the dispenserdisplay is 47.871 inches. It will be recognized by those of skill in theart that there is a significant difference between the dimensions of thedispenser display from the collapsed to the expanded configurations. Asa result, there is a significant savings in shipping and storage costsas the dispenser display in the collapsed position is much smaller.After the dispenser display is moved from the collapsed to the expandedposition, the retention pins 60 may be moved to engage the locks 50formed in bosses 42, 44, 46 and 48. The resulting structure is thenrigid and stable for use. Further, because the retention pins 60 arealready in place when the dispenser display is received forinstallation, the steps needed to achieve a rigid structure are reducedto the steps of locking such retention pins 60, and as result, providesbenefits at the assembly end of the process where assembly time andassembly errors are reduced. Although the embodiment shown in suchfigures utilize retention pins 60 and 62 having a particular length,other embodiments use retention pins having different lengths for thepurpose of accommodating products that have a different height, (i.e.,the height of a cylindrical article), than the height described hereinregarding product 90. As such, different embodiments using differentlength retention pins 60 and 62, and that still use the panels 10described herein, are able to accommodate products having differentdimensions.

[0085]FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show retention pin 60 in greater detail.The retention pin 60, having a U-shape, has a main portion 120 and apair of arms 122 disposed in opposition which have been formed normal tothe main portion 120. In this embodiment, the arms 122 have a lengthfrom their distal end to the center line of the main portion 120 ofapproximately 1.25 inches. The overall width on center from arm-to-armis approximately 3.761 inches. The diameter of the retention pin ispreferably approximately 0.188 inches.

[0086]FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C show the structural configuration ofmedially disposed retention pin 62. It will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that medially disposed retention pin 62 issubstantially similar to retention pin 60 described in FIGS. 10A-C. Thedifference between the two is that the arms 122 in medially disposedretention pin 62 have a length from their distal end to the center lineof the main portion 120 of approximately 1.5 inches. Other dimensionsremain the same. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art thatany of the dimensions of the retention pins may be adjusted to suitdifferent design parameters. The medially disposed retention pin 62 hasan increased length over the retention pin 60 so that it may be used inthe generally medial position in connection with boss 52 so that theaccess door is properly positioned when clip 76 engages the main portion120 of medially disposed retention pin 62.

[0087]FIG. 12 shows a template 600 for the display area available on theaccess door 70. Another advantage of the present invention is thatadditional display space is not required. The access door providessufficient area to advertise the products disposed within themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display. The display area may becovered with a variety of signage including, an adhesive backedmaterial. (preferably using a weak or light adhesive amount), a plasticor paper sheet having tabs to interlink with corresponding slots on theaccess door 70, or other suitable advertising medium.

[0088]FIG. 13A shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display in a collapsed configuration disposed within ashipping box 620.

[0089]FIG. 13B shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display in a collapsed partially removed from the shipping box620.

[0090]FIG. 13C shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display in a partly expanded configuration as compared toFIGS. 13A and 13B. The retention pins 60 are shown in the unlockedposition.

[0091]FIG. 13D shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display disposed on a conventional shelf 630 in an expandedconfiguration with the retention pins 60 in a locked position. Aconventional shelf 630 having a 48 inch width 632 is also shown. Theoverall width 640 of the expanded multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay is 47.871 inches. Accordingly, the dispenser display is easilydisposed upon the conventional shelf 630.

[0092]FIG. 13E shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display of FIG. 13D with the magazine access doors 70assembled and product decals applied, where the access door 70 isdisposed in the closed position. It will also be noted that the depth650 of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display is 20 inches whichis easily accommodated on a conventional shelf 630.

[0093]FIG. 14A shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display with an additional display item in the form of acategory sign 660 connected thereto.

[0094]FIG. 14B shows product being loaded into an embodiment of themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display of the present invention. Theaccess door 70 is moved from a closed position to an open position suchthat the magazine 100 may be in communication with the chutes 22 and 24so that the product may be loaded.

[0095]FIG. 14C shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display filled with product 90 and ready for retail. Thereplaced stall 110 in each module has product disposed therein formaximum initial density.

[0096]FIG. 15 shows a plurality of multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplays disposed on a number of adjacently disposed conventionalshelves 630.

[0097]FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 show a different embodiment of the mainelement of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display, (FIGS. 1 and2 show another such embodiment), where a panel 210 represents a verticalupright panel designed to be remotely mated with other like panels 210.Further, the panel 210 is shown to be supporting a full load of product92. The panel 210 includes at least one set of rails 220 which areformed as ribs extending normal to a side 212 of the panel 210 tocooperatively define a plurality of chutes 222, 224 for product whichhave a boustrophedonic or C-shaped configuration.

[0098] A first rail 226 is disposed in the generally medial portion ofthe side 212 inclined to the horizontal, angled generally downwardly,and having a linear configuration. The second rail 228 is disposed aboutthe first rail 226 and has a curvilinear configuration which issubstantially C-shaped. The first and second rails 226 and 228 eachhaving a minimum incline to the horizontal such that product is capableof continuous movement along such rails in response to a normalgravitational force, and where as shown in FIG. 16., can be asubstantially slight angle. A first product travel stop or stop 230 isformed at a lowest extent of the second rail 228 as an enlarged portionthereof. The first stop 230 engages the product to prevent unwantedfurther movement down chute 222 and positions the product for viewingand selection by a customer.

[0099] A third rail 232 has a curvilinear configuration which issubstantially L-shaped and has a second stop 234, formed as an enlargedportion thereof at a lower end adjacent first stop 230, and preventsfurther downward motion down chute 224. In addition, a return area orreplace stall 310, defined between the first and second stops 230 and234 and a cradle member or ear 312 formed on the panel 210, can be usedas an area in which a product 90 may be replaced after being initiallyremoved by a customer.

[0100] Here, unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an additionaltop member 233 is used to provide a top for a portion of chute 224 andwhich also provides additional structural rigidity to the top portion ofpanel 210. For structural rigidity and to provide visibility to theproduct positioned on first and second rails 226 and 228, cut outportions 218 or holes are formed along on panel 210 along the chutes 222and 224. The cut out portions 218 also allow one to determine thequantity and contents of such chutes thus facilitating inventory controlof the products stored therein.

[0101] At least one set of positioning elements 236 are formed on theside 212 as raised protrusions having a height normal to the side 212less than the rails 226, 228 and 232. Each positioning element 238, 240has a curvilinear configuration which is substantially C-shaped. Thefirst positioning element 238 is disposed between the first and secondrails 226, 228. The second positioning element 240 is disposed betweenthe second and third rails 228, 232, for a bottom portion of chute 224,as well as between second rail 228 and top member 233, for a top portionof chute 224.

[0102] A plurality of bosses 242, 244, 246 and 248 are formed at eachcorner of the panel 210, and when used, provide greater rigidity to themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display. Each has at least oneaperture or bore 249 defined therein and a lock 250 associated with eachbore 249. The lock mechanism or lock 250 is defined in the boss 242,244, 246, 248 where a portion of an outer wall of the boss 242, 244,246, 248 is removed to form a receptacle. Additional bosses 252 and 253are also included where boss 252 is formed in a generally medialposition adjacent an end of the first rail 226 and where boss 253 isgenerally located near a lower position on panel 210 near the lowerextent of second rail 228. At least one bore 249 is defined in bothadditional bosses 252 and 253. However, such two bosses do not include alock. Although not shown, an additional retention pin engages the bore249 defined in the boss 253.

[0103] An aperture 254 is formed in the panel 210 disposed between thesecond positioning element 240 and an upper boss 244 for positioning anaccess door. A plurality of feet 256 are formed on the side 212 andextend from the third rail 232 to the lower portion edge of the panel210 in order to provide stability to the panel 210. Each foot 256extends normal to the side 212 in the same manner as the rails 226, 228and 232 to the same extent. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and2, here an additional stability arm 257 is included for additionalstructural stability.

[0104] As best shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, a blade sign base member 270 islocated longitudinally along the upper portion of the panel 210 andextending from a location adjacent to the bottom of upper boss 244 to alocation at or adjacent to first rail 226. The blade sign base member270 has offset grooves 272 for mating with a blade sign display memberdiscussed in greater detail below. The blade sign base member 270 islocated in parallel along a substantial portion of its length and havinga beginning location 274 at the top 276 of the blade sign base member270 and ending at an ending location 278 near the bottom 280 of theblade sign base member 270.

[0105] Next, FIGS. 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 show a blade sign displaymember 400 designed to attach to the blade sign base member 270 of panel210. The blade sign display member 400 has a clamp section 402, a facesection 404 and an outer lip 406. Further, clamp section 402 has acavity 408 therein. Inside the cavity 408 there are opposing offset ribsor tongues 410 and 412 for mating with the grooves 272 of the bladessign base member 270. The attaching of the blade sign display member 400to blade sign base member 270 can be achieved in a number of ways.

[0106] For example, by aligning the blade sign display member 400 abovethe sign base member 270 in a linear manner such that the grooves 272 ofthe blades sign base member 270 are lined up with the tongues 410 and412, once so aligned, a downward force is then applied on the displaymember 400 such that the tongues 410 and 412 slide within the grooves272 until the top of the display member 400 is near the top of bladessign base member 270. Another example is to line up the opening ofcavity 408 of blade sign display member 400 along the front edge ofblades sign base member 270 such that the top of both the blade signdisplay member 270 and the display member 400 are located proximate toone another, and such that the cavity 408 is located along the samedirection that blades sign base member 270 protrudes from panel 210, andwhereupon force is applied down the length of blade sign display member400 towards its clamp section 402 such that the front of the cavity 408is forced open to allow the entry of the front edge of the blade signdisplay member 270 and where force is continually applied until thetongues 410 and 412 snap into engagement with grooves 272.

[0107] Further, the face section 404, one on each side of the blade signdisplay member 400, can contain signage indicating the products orcategory of products stored in the associated multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display. The signage can be any of a number of advertisingmediums such as an adhesive backed material, a plastic, paper orcardboard sheet having tabs that interlock with corresponding apertureson the blade sign display member 400.

[0108] Next, FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D and 24E show various differentviews of the access door 570. The access door 570 includes a front face572, a rear face 573, a handle 574, a clips 576A and 576B, a pair ofresilient arms 578 and a pair of alignment arms 580. The front face 572is configured as slightly curved to present a pleasing appearance andincreased surface area for advertising display purposes. The handle 574is disposed at the top of the access door 570 opposite and enables auser to easily move the access door from a closed position to an openposition. Preferably, the access door 570 is moved from a generallyvertical orientation in the closed position to a orientation in the openposition which is at least horizontal and preferably several degreespast horizontal. Other embodiments allow for the complete or partialremoval of access door 570. The resilient arms 578 include an enlargednub 582 which engages the aperture formed in the side 212. The nub 582provides a secondary connection for the access door to the panel 210.The clip clips 576A and 576B are the primary connection to the adjacentpanels 210. The clips 576A and 576B engage medially disposed retentionpin 62 and move relative thereto. Alignment arms 580 engage adjacentpanels 210 when necessary in order to maintain the access door properlydisposed between adjacent panels 210.

[0109] In addition to providing the functionality and the advantagesdescribed above, the loading magazine 100 has the additional advantagesassociated with its use with standard shelving, and other displaystructures generally known to be used to display products 90, that donot otherwise represent a multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display.Regardless of the type of display structure used to display the products90, the magazine 100 provides the same secure and easy transportation tothe location at which the new products 92 will be displayed as describedabove. In addition, and in a similar fashion to that described above,the loading magazine 100 provides a convenient and easy way of expellingthe contents of a loaded magazine 100 onto a variety of displaystructures.

[0110] Although new product display designs, such as standard gravityfed shelving for example, have provided advances in the area displaystocking, many stocking procedures still populate display structures inthe same manner that occurred decades ago, i.e., by the placement of newproducts 92 on such display structures on a unit by unit, or product byproduct, or can by can basis. However, now with the loading magazine 100of FIG. 6A, display structures can be instantly loaded with a loadingmagazine 100 of new products 92, greatly reducing the time and effortassociated with the unit by unit shelf populating techniques. Forexample, in the case of standard shelving, where products are generallyplaced next to one another in a vertical position, e.g., wherecylindrical articles are rested on an end, the loading magazine 100 maypositioned on a portion of the standard shelf with the non-porous side134 resting thereon and then the tear strip 142 may then be partially orfully removed, removing or reducing the securing force or pressure aboutloading magazine 100 about new product 90, and one may use their hand orother object to push, or hold in place, the new goods 92 within theloading magazine 100, while with their other hand, pulling or graspingthe paper overwrap 148 such that the new products 92 populate thestandard shelf as an organized group of new products 92 arranged in acolumn and row format. Other embodiments do not include the maintainingof the organized nature in row and column format as the new product 92populate the standard shelf, as such embodiments rely more heavily onthe advantage of the loading of a group of new products 92 at one time,over the prior art method of stocking such shelving on a unit by unitbasis.

[0111] Although many of the embodiments described above are limited tothe use of two chutes 22 and 24, other embodiments contain the use one,three or more chutes.

What is claimed is:
 1. A plurality of panels for dispensing cylindricalarticles, each of said panels comprising: (a) at least one set of railsextending laterally from the sides of said panels, said rails defining aplurality of chutes therebetween for said cylindrical articles; (b) afirst rail disposed in the generally medial portion of said side andhaving a configuration angled generally downwardly; (c) a second raildisposed about the first rail and having a substantially curvilinearconfiguration; (d) a first stop formed at the lowest extent of saidsecond rail constructed and arranged to engage such cylindrical articlesso as to prevent unwanted movement and position such cylindricalarticles for viewing in the lower end of said first chute; (e) a thirdrail having a substantially curvilinear configuration; and (f) a secondstop formed at a lower end of said second rail for engaging saidcylindrical articles so as to prevent unwanted movement and positionsaid cylindrical articles for viewing at the lower end of said secondchute.
 2. The panel of claim 1 and further comprising: a plurality ofretention pin members constructed and arranged to selectively interlockeach of said panels to a second panel so as to fixedly position saidpanels relative to each other.
 3. A dispenser and display rack forsubstantially cylindrical articles, said dispenser comprising: (a) aplurality of vertically disposed panels, each of said panels having oneor more rails extending horizontally therefrom toward an opposingvertical panel, said rails defining a plurality of chutes therebetween,said chutes being slightly greater in width than said cylindricalarticles so as to allow said cylindrical articles to be stored thereinand dispensed therefrom; (b) said chutes further being slightly inclinedso as to allow said cylindrical articles to be advanced by means ofgravity from an upper position on said panel in said chutes to a lowerportion position on said panels in said chutes; (c) a removal areadisposed proximate said lower portion of said chutes for allowingselective removal of one or more of the cylindrical articles from saiddispenser; and (d) an access door movable between first and secondpositions, said access door being mounted proximate said upper portion,said access door being constructed and arranged for closing the upperportion of said chutes in the first position and for opening the upperportion of said chutes in the second position, said access door furtherhaving a front face for advertising display purposes.
 4. The dispenserof claim 3 and further comprising: a plurality of retention pin membersconstructed and arranged to selectively interlock each of said verticalpanels to the opposing vertical panel so as to fixedly position saidpanels relative to each other.
 5. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein saidretention pins are substantially U-shaped and wherein each of saidpanels has a plurality of bores formed therein for reception of andattachment of said retention pins to said panels so as to selectivelymaintain said panels in a fixed position parallel to the opposite panel.6. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein said panels further comprise aplurality of bosses formed proximate each corner of said panel, each ofsaid bosses having an aperture defined therein and a lock mechanismassociated with said aperture so as to allow selective locking andunlocking of said retention pins relative to such panel.
 7. Thedispenser of claim 6 wherein said locking mechanism comprises areceptacle formed in the outer wall of said boss wherein, in the firstposition said retention pin is engaged both horizontally and verticallyso as to prevent rotation of said panels and wherein said retention pinwhen partially removed from said boss and partially removed from saidaperture is engaged horizontally but not vertically so as to allowrotation of said retention pin in said aperture, thereby allowing suchpanels to be advanced toward to or separated from each other until theyare in abutment or until said retention pins are fully extended.
 8. Thedispenser of said device of claim 4 where a plurality of said panels maybe interconnected by said retention pins and may be compressed togetherinto contact with other so as to facilitate shipping, storage andinstallation of said dispensing device.
 9. The dispensing device ofclaim 5 wherein said panel comprises a plurality of cut out portionsformed therein between said rails so as to provide structural rigidityto said panel and also to provide visibility of said cylindricalarticles.
 10. A dispensing and display device for cylindrical articlescomprising: a pair of vertical panels and a pair of serpentine chutesformed therebetween, said chutes being inclined relative to horizontalwhereby cylindrical articles contained therein may be advanced bygravity towards the lower portion of said display device, said first andsecond chute comprising a substantially C-shaped configuration; saidchutes each having an upper portion and a lower portion; a first stopmeans proximate to the lower portion of said first chute for preventingfurther downward motion of said cylindrical articles in said firstchute; a second stop means formed proximate the lower portion of saidsecond chute for preventing further downward motion of said cylindricalarticles in said second chute; and a return area located proximate saidfirst and second chute for allowing replacement of one of saidcylindrical articles on said display device after removal from saidchutes.
 11. The display device of claim 10 where said return areacomprises a cradle located proximate the distal end of first and secondchutes for allowing retention of one or more cylindrical articles afterreplacement of said cylindrical article said chutes.
 12. The dispensingand display device of claim 10 wherein said chutes further comprise afirst bay area proximate the distal end of said first chute for allowingselective removal of said cylindrical article; and a second bay areaproximate the distal end of said second chute for allowing selectiveremoval of said cylindrical article from said second chute.
 13. Thedisplay device of claim 12 wherein said first bay area is located abovesaid second bay and is offset relative thereto.
 14. The display deviceof claim 10 and further comprising a plurality of retention pins havinga plurality of lengths so as to allow construction of said dispensingdevice in a plurality of selected widths substantially corresponding tothe height of said cylindrical articles.
 15. The display device of claim14 and further comprising clip means attached to the rear face of anaccess door for selective attachment of said access door to one of saidretention pins.
 16. The display device of claim 15 wherein said clipmeans are disposed on the rear face of said access door proximate thelower end of thereof and are pivotally connected to said retention pinso as to allow pivotable movement of said access door away from upperextents of said first and second chutes, thereby allowing selectedfilling of said chutes with said cylindrical articles.
 17. The displaydevice of claim 15 wherein said clip means comprise an integrally moldedchannel formed in said access door on the rear face thereof forreception of said retention pins.
 18. The dispensing and display deviceof claim 3 wherein said access door further includes a pair of resilientarms laterally disposed thereon proximate the upper portion of saidaccess door, said resilient arms having a pair of nubs outwardlydisposed thereon, said nubs being constructed and arranged for snaplocking into corresponding apertures in said panels.
 19. A system fordispensing cylindrical articles, said system comprising a pair ofvertical panels having a plurality of chutes horizontally disposedtherebetween, said chutes each having an upper loading end and a lowerdispensing end, said dispensing end of said first chute being disposedsubstantially above said dispensing end of said second chute.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19 and further comprising a cradle member disposedproximate said dispensing ends of said first and second chutes, saidcradle member being configured for reception of and retention of one atleast one of said cylindrical articles, so as to allow return of saidcylindrical articles to said dispensing system by the user, as required.21. The system for dispensing cylindrical articles of claim 19 andfurther comprising magazine means for simultaneously loading said firstand second chutes through said loading ends thereof, said magazine meanscomprising: an overwrap for retention of a plurality of said cylindricalarticles, and opening means for opening at least a portion of saidoverwrap so as to allow selective gravity feeding of said cylindricalarticles from said overwrap to said loading ends of said first andsecond chutes.
 22. The dispensing system of claim 19 and furthercomprising: access door members selectively attachable to and removablefrom said first and second loading ends of said first and second chutes,said access door members having displayed thereon alphanumeric andgraphic indicia of the material contained within said cylindricalarticles.
 23. The dispensing apparatus of claim 22 and furthercomprising a hinge member attached to said access door for allowingselective pivoting of said access door over said loading ends of saidchutes so as to allow dispensing of said cylindrical articles into saidchutes, as required.
 24. A method for dispensing cylindrical articlesinto a dispenser and display rack having a loading end thereon, saiddispenser display utilizing a loading magazine containing a plurality ofrows of parallel goods contained therein by an enclosing force, saidmethod comprising the steps of: (a) removing said enclosing force at atleast end of said loading magazine; (b) positioning said open end ofsaid loading magazine proximate the loading end of said dispenserdisplay; (c) feeding said cylindrical articles from said loadingmagazine into said dispenser display using gravity to dispense saidcylindrical articles from said loading magazine; (d) advancing saidcylindrical articles through said dispenser display using gravity feed;and (e) stopping the feeding of said cylindrical articles in a pluralityof dispensing bays, as required.
 25. The method of claim 24 and furthercomprising: returning at least one of said cylindrical articles to saiddispenser display proximate said dispensing bay while at the same timemaintaining the remainder of said cylindrical articles in said dispenserdisplay in their initial position prior to the return of at least one ofsaid cylindrical articles.
 26. The display panel of claim 3 and furthercomprising: an access door having a plurality of tabs extendinglaterally therefrom and a plurality of tab apertures disposed on saidpanel, said tab apertures being positioned for reception of said tabs soas to retain said access door on said panel, said access door havingalphanumeric and graphic indicia thereon for indicating selectiveinformation concerning the material in said cylindrical containers. 27.A method of loading cylindrical articles into an multi-chute gravityfeed dispenser display having a plurality of gravity feed dispensingchutes therein, each of said chutes having a loading end and adispensing end, said method comprising the steps; positioning pairs ofsaid cylindrical articles in loading ends of said chutes simultaneouslyfrom a loading magazine proximate the loading end of said dispenserdisplay and loading the cylindrical articles from said loading magazine.28. The dispensing and display device of claim 10 wherein the secondchute is formed in such a manner as to promote the movement of saidcylindrical articles in said second chute in a direction away from thesecond stop means when a minimum quantity of said cylindrical articlesin said second chute is reached.
 29. A plurality of panels fordispensing cylindrical articles, each of said panels comprising: atleast one set of rails extending laterally from the sides of saidpanels, said panels defining a plurality of chutes therebetween for saidcylindrical articles, said chutes being boustrophedonic inconfiguration.
 30. A plurality of panels for dispensing cylindricalarticles, said panels each comprising: at least one set of railsextending normally from one side of the panel, and defining a pluralityof chutes between said panels for said cylindrical articles, said chutesbeing serpentine in configuration and angling downwardly so as to feedsaid cylindrical articles downwardly through said chutes, a second ofone of said chutes extending from proximate the upper portion of saidpanel downwardly to dispense said cylindrical articles in an areaproximate the lower portion of said panels; and a first chute extendinggenerally downwardly in a serpentine manner being of shorter length thansaid second chute.
 31. The panels of claim 30 wherein a multiplicity ofsaid panels are provided and said panels comprise means for expandingand retracting in an accordion-type manner relative to each other. 32.The display device of claim 10 wherein said return area is locatedproximate the first stop means and proximate the first and secondcylindrical articles disposed at the lower portion of said second chute.33. The display device of claim 11 wherein said cradle comprises araised portion on each of said vertical panels proximate the lowerportion of said second chute and offset from said distal end of secondchute so as to allow retention of one or more cylindrical articles ontop of and above said cylindrical articles disposed in said secondchute.
 34. The dispensing device of claim 10 wherein said verticalpanels are injected molded of thermoplastic resin so as to providestructurally rigidity and a low coefficient of friction against saidcylindrical articles when dispensed through such chutes.
 35. Thedispensing device of claim 10 wherein said second chute containssufficient space to hold a substantially greater number of cylindricalarticles than said first chute.
 36. The dispensing device of claim 10wherein said vertical panels each comprise a plurality of feet disposedon the lower portion surface thereof for supporting and leveling saiddispensing device, as required.
 37. The dispensing device of claim 6wherein a plurality of said bosses are formed on said dispensing deviceincluding at least one boss on each corner of the top and lower portionof each vertical panel proximate the front of said vertical panel and asecond pair of bosses proximate the rear of said vertical panel.
 38. Thedispensing device of claim 37 and further comprising at least a pair ofbosses generally medially disposed proximate the front, the rear, thetop and the lower portion of said dispensing device so as to providegreater rigidity.
 39. The dispensing device of claim 3 whereas saidaccess door is injected molding of a thermoplastic resin and has aplurality of resilient arms extending normally from the edges thereof,said resilient arms having protrusions extending therefrom adapted forselective interlocking with slots formed in said panel proximate saidchutes so as to selectively retain said access door over said chute, asrequired.
 40. The dispensing device of claim 33 wherein said access doorhas a handle extending therefrom for facilitating opening and closing ofsaid access door over said top portion of said chute.
 41. A dispensingdevice and display rack for cylindrical articles comprising a pluralityof serpentine chutes extending generally downwardly from the top of saiddispensing device to the lower portion of said dispensing device andhaving a loading area proximate the top thereof and a dispensing areaproximate the lower portion thereof, said dispensing device including anaccess door mounted proximate the top of said chutes, said access doorbeing constructed and arranged for selectively opening or closing theupper portion of said chutes and for indicating the type of cylindricalarticle to be contained within said chutes.
 42. The dispensing device ofclaim 3 wherein each of said chutes has a stop means for preventingunwanted movement of said cylindrical articles, said stop meanscomprising an incline portion proximate the distal end of said chutes, aflat front out portion and a substantially vertical end stop proximatethe end of said chute.
 43. A loading magazine for dispensing multipleunits of cylindrical articles, said loading magazine comprising anoverwrap having a perforated strip formed thereon for selectivelyremoving a portion of said over wrap so as to allow said cylindricalarticles to be manually ejected from said loading magazine.
 44. Theloading magazine of claim 43 wherein said overwrap comprises a pluralityof holes for affixing alphanumeric indicia to said cylindrical articles,an overlap seam on said loading magazine for retaining said loadingmagazine in a wrapped configuration around said cylindrical articles,said overlap seam having an adhesive strip thereon for affixation andretention of said overlap seam on said loading magazine; and pull tabmeans for initiating removal of said perforated strip from said loadingmagazine.
 45. The loading magazine of claim 43 wherein at least one rowof said cylindrical articles containing at least two of said cylindricalarticles in each row are retained within said overwrap.
 46. The loadingmagazine of claim 44, wherein said overwrap comprises a kraft linerbetween 32 and 90 pounds.
 47. A wrapper for packaging cylindricalarticles comprising an overwrap formed as a tube having at least one ofthe longitudinal edges of said paper overlapped and glued to saidoverwrap with said cylindrical articles being vertically disposed inparallel therein, said overwrap being tightly wrapped around saidcylindrical articles; and a tear strip formed in said overwraplongitudinally disposed thereon for allowing selective manual release ofsaid overwrap proximate a first end thereof, thereby allowing manualejection of said cylindrical articles from said overwrap in parallel toeach other.
 48. The wrapper of claim 47 and further comprising a seriesof longitudinally disposed apertures proximate the lateral edges of saidoverwrap when wrapped around said cylindrical articles, said aperturesbeing constructed and arranged for reception of and retention of saidcylindrical articles in said overwrap.
 49. The overwrap of 47 andfurther comprising front and rear end folds disposed at the proximal anddistal end of said overwrap for selectively retaining said cylindricalarticles within said overwrap.
 50. The overwrap of claim 49 wherein saidend folds cover substantially all of said front and rear portion of saidoverwrap when disposed on said cylindrical articles.
 51. The overwrap ofclaim 49 wherein said overwrap is constructed of paperboard having acaliper range between 0.012 and 0.026 and having a weight per 1,000square feet of between 48 pounds and 90 pounds.
 52. The overwrap ofclaim 47 wherein said tear strip extends along substantially the entirelength of one side of said overwrap.
 53. The overwrap of claim 52wherein said paperboard comprises solid bleached sulfate.
 54. Theoverwrap of claim 47 wherein said overwrap comprises thermoplastic film.55. The overwrap of claim 47 wherein said tear strip comprises aperforated portion of said overwrap.
 56. A method of packaging cannedproducts for loading into a dispenser and display rack having upper andlower loading ports which comprises: arranging the canned products in adouble row, transversely aligned pairs; and enclosing a group of theproducts in a overwrap forming a loading magazine, having a tear stripdisposed thereon along its periphery so as to create a removable portionof said overwrap from the remaining carrying portion of said loadingmagazine, said overwrap being sized, constructed and arranged forfeeding said canned products in pairs into said loading ports when theremovable portion is removed from said overwrap.
 57. The method of claim56 and further comprising: attaching a first longitudinal edge of saidoverwrap to an oppositely disposed panel of said overwrap so as toretain said canned products within said wrapper.
 58. The method of claim56 and further comprising: removing said removable portion of saidoverwrap; aligning said double row of canned products with said loadingports; and feeding said canned products in pairs into said loadingports.
 59. The method of claim 56 wherein said overwrap includes a firstclosure element and a first closure receiving element and said methodfurther comprises: attaching said first closure element of said overwrapto said first closure receiving element so as to restrain said productcontainer within said overwrap.
 60. The method of claim 56 wherein saidoverwrap includes first and second closure elements and first and secondclosure receiving elements; said method further comprising the steps of:interlocking said first closure element of said first closure receivingelement; and interlocking said second closure element to said secondclosure receiving element, so as to retain said canned products withinsaid wrapper.
 61. A method of packaging canned products for loading intoa dispenser and display rack, said method comprising: arranging thecanned products in a row; and enclosing a group of the products in aoverwrap forming a loading magazine having a tear strip disposed thereonalong its periphery so as to create a removable portion of said overwrapfrom the remaining carrying portion of said loading magazine, saidoverwrap being sized, constructed and arranged for feeding said cannedproducts when said removable portion is removed from said overwrap. 62.A method of packaging substantially cylindrical products for loadinginto a dispenser and display rack having upper and lower loading portswhich comprises: arranging the substantially cylindrical products in adouble row of transversely aligned pairs; and enclosing a group of theproducts in a overwrap forming a loading magazine, having a tear stripdisposed thereon along its periphery so as to create a removable portionof said overwrap from the remaining carrying portion of said loadingmagazine, said overwrap being sized, constructed and arranged forfeeding said substantially cylindrical products in pairs into saidloading ports when removable portion is removed from said overwrap. 63.The method of claim 62 and further comprising: attaching a firstlongitudinal edge of said overwrap to an oppositely disposed panel ofsaid overwrap so as to retain said product containers within saidoverwrap.
 64. The method of claim 62 and further comprising: removingsaid removable portion of said overwrap; aligning said double row ofproducts with said loading ports; and feeding said product container inpairs into said loading ports.
 65. The method of claim 62 wherein saidoverwrap includes a first closure element and a first closure receivingelement and said method further comprises: attaching said first closureelement of said overwrap to said first closure receiving element so asto restrain said product container within said overwrap.
 66. The methodof claim 62 wherein said overwrap includes first and second closureelements and first and second closure receiving elements; said methodfurther comprising the steps of: interlocking said first closure elementof said first closure receiving element; and interlocking said secondclosure element to said second closure receiving element, so as toretain said substantially cylindrical products within said overwrap. 67.A method of packaging substantially cylindrical products for loadinginto a dispenser and display rack, said method comprising: arranging thesubstantially cylindrical products in a row; and enclosing a group ofthe products in an overwrap forming a loading magazine having a tearstrip disposed thereon circumferentially about its periphery so as tocreate a removable portion of said overwrap from the remaining carryingportion of said loading magazine, said overwrap being sized, constructedand arranged for feeding said substantially cylindrical products whensaid removable portion is removed from said overwrap.
 68. The method ofclaim 56 wherein said tear strip comprises a series of perforations insaid overwrap, and said method comprises the additional step of:fracturing said perforations so as to enable removal of said removableportion of said wrapper.
 69. The method of claim 56 wherein said step offeeding said product from said overwrap comprises: expelling saidproduct from said wrapper.
 70. The method of claim 56 wherein said stepof feeding said product from said wrapper comprises: rolling saidproduct out of said wrapper.
 71. A dispenser and display rack system forstoring and displaying cylindrically shaped products of commonlongitudinal dimension on store shelving, said system comprising adisplay module and a door, said display module including a pair of sidepanels disposed in spaced-apart side-by-side relation, rails affixed tosaid panels forming at least one product rail chute disposed betweensaid panels, each said chute being of transverse dimension slightlygreater than said longitudinal dimension and having a loading end, adispensing end and elongated product travel path descending at leastsubstantially full length from said loading end to said dispensing end,said door being moveable from a closed position wherein said door isdisposed transversely between said panels above said dispensing end inaccess closing relation to said loading end, to a removed position inaccess opening relation to said loading end.
 72. A system in accordancewith claim 71 wherein said rail form a plurality of rails chutes andwherein said display module has an open front region between said walls,said open front region having an upper section and a lower section. 73.A system in accordance with claim 71, there being first and second railchutes, the loading end of the first of said chutes being located atsaid upper section and disposed above the loading end of the second ofsaid chutes, the discharge end of the first of said chutes being locatedat said lower section and disposed below the discharge end of the secondof said chutes.
 74. A system in accordance with claim 73, said doorbeing sized to simultaneously open and close access at said uppersection to the loading end of each of said chutes.
 75. A system inaccordance with claim 73 wherein said display module further includesproduct travel stops proximal the discharge end of each of said chutes.76. A system in accordance with claim 75 wherein said product stops areoffset from each other with respect to the horizontal a sufficientdistance to permit placement of a product atop and between adjacentproducts disposed at the discharge end of the first of said chutes. 77.A system in accordance with claim 76 wherein the discharge end of thesecond of said chutes is disposed above the discharge end of the firstof said chutes a distance slightly greater than the diameter of theproducts.
 78. A system in accordance with claim 73 wherein said travelpath of each of said chutes is generally C-shaped.
 79. A system inaccordance with claim 71 wherein said display module includes aplurality of retention pins connecting said walls.
 80. A system inaccordance with claim 79 wherein said door is connected to one of saidretention pins for pivotal movement to thereby open and close access tosaid loading end.
 81. A dispenser and display rack for products, saiddispenser comprising: (a) a plurality of vertically disposed panels,each of said panels having at least one rail extending horizontallytherefrom toward an opposing vertical panel, said rail defining a chutetherebetween, said chute being slightly greater in width than the widthof said products so as to allow said products to be stored therein anddispensed therefrom; (b) said chute further being slightly inclined soas to allow said products to be advanced by means of gravity from anupper position on said panel in said chutes to a lower portion positionon said panels in said chute; (c) a removal area disposed proximate saidlower portion of said chute for allowing selective removal of one ormore of the products from said dispenser; (d) a return area disposedabove the return area for allowing replacement of one of said productson said dispenser after removal from said chute; and (e) an access doormovable between first and second positions, said access door beingmounted proximate said upper portion, said access door being constructedand arranged for closing the upper portion of said chute in the firstposition and for opening the upper portion of said chute in the secondposition, said access door further having a front face for advertisingdisplay purposes.
 82. The dispensing and display device of claim 81wherein the products are cylindrically shaped products including atleast one of: cans and jars.
 83. The dispensing and display device ofclaim 81 further comprising: a second rail extending horizontallytherefrom toward an opposing vertical panel, said second rail defining asecond chute therebetween, said second chute being slightly greater inwidth than the width of second products so as to allow said secondproducts to be stored therein and dispensed therefrom, wherein theproducts and the second products are different.
 84. The dispensing anddisplay device of claim 83 wherein the differences in the products andsecond products is internal.
 85. The dispensing and display device ofclaim 83 wherein the differences in the products and second products isexternal.
 86. A dispensing and display device for products comprising: apair of vertical panels and at least one serpentine chute formedtherebetween, said chute being inclined relative to horizontal wherebyproducts contained therein may be advanced by gravity towards the lowerportion of said display device, said chute comprising a substantiallyC-shaped configuration; said chute having an upper portion and a lowerportion; a stop means proximate to the lower portion of said chute forpreventing further downward motion of said products in said chute; and areturn area located proximate said first and second chute for allowingreplacement of one of said products on said display device after removalfrom said chute.
 87. The dispensing and display device of claim 86wherein the products are cylindrically shaped products including atleast one of: cans and jars.
 88. A method of packaging canned productsfor loading onto a display structure, comprising: arranging the productsin at least one row; and enclosing the row of products in a overwrapforming a loading magazine, having a tear strip disposed thereon alongits periphery so as to create a removable portion of said overwrap fromthe remaining carrying portion of said loading magazine, said overwrapbeing sized, constructed and arranged for feeding said products alongthe direction of the row into the display structure when the removableportion is removed from said overwrap.
 89. The method of claim 88,further comprising: removing said removable portion of said overwrap;aligning said row of products with a corresponding vacant area of thedisplay structure; and feeding said products in a row into the displaystructure.
 90. The method of claim 88 wherein the display structure is astandard shelf.